I didn't really want to go to commencement at first, I thought it would be super long, and I just didn't know if it was worth it, but it totally was! It was cool to walk into the Dee Events Center with all of the other graduates, listen to Damian Lillard speak, and just commemorate all my hard work. I'm glad that I decided to participate that morning. The best part was I got to graduate the same day as my sister-in-law Kristi Lundgreen! I was excited to participate in the morning commencement with her. It really was awesome to celebrate our graduation together.
My college (The College of Education) graduation ceremony was at noon, where I actually got to walk and get my "diploma." Which was really just a purple diploma case. They are mailing our diplomas later.
I'm so glad that I decided to go back to school and get my Elementary Education Degree. Now that I'm done, I can look back and say, "Yeah, it was totally worth it." I finally found a career that I love, and if I ever need to support my family, I can. I couldn't have done it without my own family. They have been such a wonderful support system.
My sister Kami was probably the first person that really supported me with my decision to go back to school. I didn't know if I could do it, but my sister was the one person who cheered me on the entire way. She showed me how to apply for financial aid, she showed me how to register for classes my first semester, and she proof read many, many papers. She helped me get started at Weber State, and that last year when I was trying to finish up, she babysat my daughter whenever I needed her to. So, this is a shout out to my sister Kami, Thank you so, so, so much for all you've done to help me accomplish this goal! I couldn't have done it without you!
My sister Kami was probably the first person that really supported me with my decision to go back to school. I didn't know if I could do it, but my sister was the one person who cheered me on the entire way. She showed me how to apply for financial aid, she showed me how to register for classes my first semester, and she proof read many, many papers. She helped me get started at Weber State, and that last year when I was trying to finish up, she babysat my daughter whenever I needed her to. So, this is a shout out to my sister Kami, Thank you so, so, so much for all you've done to help me accomplish this goal! I couldn't have done it without you!
These are my grandparents Scott and Marie Richins. They have been there supporting me with every accomplishment from primary programs, basketball games, and now my college graduation. They were so proud when I decided to become a teacher, and I'm so glad that they were able to be there when I got my diploma. My other grandparents weren't able to attend; Milan and Susan Mecham. But I owe them a HUGE thank you! They have supported me whole heartedly. My grandpa was such an amazing teacher, and most everyone in our community remembers singing in his classroom while he played the guitar. Well, he passed on his guitar to me! I was able to play it in the classroom while I was student teaching. I hope that one day I can be a good as teacher as he was. My grandparents were always willing to help me with my assignments, and answer any questions that I had about education. I'm so grateful to them for their support and guidance. So thank you grandma and grandpa! I wouldn't have even considered a career in education without you!
My mother and father-in-law are simply the best! Vicki watched Lydia often while I attended classes. She would even take her when I needed time to study. Lydia loved going to Grandma's and I never worried when she was with Vicki. I'm so grateful for her willingness to take care of my baby so I could finish school. Rodney works in education and he was always willing to share with me his knowledge and experience. I often picked his brain for advice and counsel when deciding what classes to take, what to write about for assignments, and education philosophies. He was an awesome supporter throughout my education, and I'm so glad I get to call these two amazing people family! I LOVE my in-laws. I couldn't have made it this far without them!
These two people standing next to me deserve a standing ovation for all they've done for me. They watched Lydia ALOT! My mom actually quit her job so she could be around more to help me finish school! There is no limit to the love and support they have given me. I remember when I got married, I had just been accepted into the education program and my dad told me, "Don't quit school now!" they pushed me to finish, and I"m so glad they did. My dad is the absolute hardest working person I have ever met. If it wasn't for him teaching me how to work when I was growing up, I would not have been as successful in school. If it wasn't for my mom's demonstration of such love and support I would have stopped going to school. My daughter loves going to my parents house, and even asks to go there still when we are home. I'm so glad that these two are my parents. I love them so much, and don't know what I would have done without them. I couldn't have finished without these two! So, thank you Mom and Dad! I love you both!
I've choked up a few times, and have teared up writing this post so far, but now I'm pretty sure the tears will be flowing freely as I talk about my husband and all he's done for me. Words can't do this guy justice when it comes to describing everything he's done to get me to this point. Brian has helped me write papers, cook dinners, watched Lydia, all while working full time and attending school himself. He's worked a full time job all through school, and for the past seven or nine months he's worked two jobs. All so he can support our family. He takes his role as our provider very seriously, and me and Lydia always, always come first. This last semester we had to pay for my tuition. My scholarship didn't cover a whole lot. So, even after Brian got a new job he kept his second one in order to pay for my school. He did this without one word of complaint. If you know Brian at all, you would know that he is probably one of the happiest people you'll ever come across, and he rarely complains. After Lydia was born I had a difficult time leaving her, and I really wanted to quit school. I told him I would go back later when all out kids were a bit older. He said no of course. I was nearly done, and he lovingly reassured me that Lydia was well taken care of with our mothers. He has been my rock through everything. I don't know what I would have done without him, I hate to even think about it. I love this man more than words can say and I'm so glad that he is the person I get to be with forever. So thank you Brian! I love you so much, and hope that I can be there to help you as you have been there for me!
So, now I'm a graduate and it's time to answer the question everyone has been wondering about: What now??? Well, after student teaching we realized that me working full time was something we definitely did not want to do. Kudos to all you hard working mommies that work full time and raise children. You deserve a medal! I feel like I've missed out on a lot with Lydia while I've finished school. So, what I wanted to do was find a part time job, and the perfect one came up. I will be teaching preschool at the Mt. Green Kids club just a few days a week. So, that way I can be home lots with Lydia and our baby boy who will be here in October. This job is perfect for our family, and we feel like it is an answer to our prayers. I will get to practice my teaching skills, keep some points on my license, and be home. I will return to the school district one day. I love teaching and I would love to run a classroom of my own once our kids our in school. For now, my current job is just perfect. I have actually been teaching there these past few weeks, and it's been great! Everything is falling into place, and we couldn't be happier with how things are playing out. Life is good!
My mother and father-in-law are simply the best! Vicki watched Lydia often while I attended classes. She would even take her when I needed time to study. Lydia loved going to Grandma's and I never worried when she was with Vicki. I'm so grateful for her willingness to take care of my baby so I could finish school. Rodney works in education and he was always willing to share with me his knowledge and experience. I often picked his brain for advice and counsel when deciding what classes to take, what to write about for assignments, and education philosophies. He was an awesome supporter throughout my education, and I'm so glad I get to call these two amazing people family! I LOVE my in-laws. I couldn't have made it this far without them!
These two people standing next to me deserve a standing ovation for all they've done for me. They watched Lydia ALOT! My mom actually quit her job so she could be around more to help me finish school! There is no limit to the love and support they have given me. I remember when I got married, I had just been accepted into the education program and my dad told me, "Don't quit school now!" they pushed me to finish, and I"m so glad they did. My dad is the absolute hardest working person I have ever met. If it wasn't for him teaching me how to work when I was growing up, I would not have been as successful in school. If it wasn't for my mom's demonstration of such love and support I would have stopped going to school. My daughter loves going to my parents house, and even asks to go there still when we are home. I'm so glad that these two are my parents. I love them so much, and don't know what I would have done without them. I couldn't have finished without these two! So, thank you Mom and Dad! I love you both!
I've choked up a few times, and have teared up writing this post so far, but now I'm pretty sure the tears will be flowing freely as I talk about my husband and all he's done for me. Words can't do this guy justice when it comes to describing everything he's done to get me to this point. Brian has helped me write papers, cook dinners, watched Lydia, all while working full time and attending school himself. He's worked a full time job all through school, and for the past seven or nine months he's worked two jobs. All so he can support our family. He takes his role as our provider very seriously, and me and Lydia always, always come first. This last semester we had to pay for my tuition. My scholarship didn't cover a whole lot. So, even after Brian got a new job he kept his second one in order to pay for my school. He did this without one word of complaint. If you know Brian at all, you would know that he is probably one of the happiest people you'll ever come across, and he rarely complains. After Lydia was born I had a difficult time leaving her, and I really wanted to quit school. I told him I would go back later when all out kids were a bit older. He said no of course. I was nearly done, and he lovingly reassured me that Lydia was well taken care of with our mothers. He has been my rock through everything. I don't know what I would have done without him, I hate to even think about it. I love this man more than words can say and I'm so glad that he is the person I get to be with forever. So thank you Brian! I love you so much, and hope that I can be there to help you as you have been there for me!
Lydia was messing with my cap which is why it looks so goofy. |
I loved this post. I teared up more than once. I am SO proud of you! You are amazing! Congratulations again on becoming a college graduate! Yay!!!
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